Calves need water as much as other nutrients

Water is an important part of caring for calves. Water improves average daily gain and feed conversion, is very beneficial in the development of the rumen and helps in digestion and the metabolic function of the calf.

Calves do not receive enough water in feed to meet their needs. Even slight dehydration will affect the metabolic function of the calf and reduce feed intake. As calves begin to eat more starter, their daily intake of water will increase.

A young calf under two weeks of age will drink very little water, but you still need to give access to water so the animal becomes used to having it available. As they age they will begin to drink more water. In the summer cool water is advisable to help reduce heat stress.

Water is the most essential and cheapest ingredient in any livestock feeding operation.

A 180–kg. (400-pound) calf will require from 10–30 liters (quarts) of water daily, depending on factors like temperature, humidity and the dry matter content of the diet. To achieve maximum gains, provide an adequate supply of clean, easily accessible water. Test the water offered to calves and mixed with milk replacers as the pH, mineral content and bacterial counts are of primary concern. It may be necessary to install water treatment equipment to assure good water quality for your animals.

In 1984, research by A.F. Kertz at Ralston Purina found that weight gain between birth and four weeks of age was reduced by 38 percent and starter intake by 31 percent for calves that did not receive supplemental water in addition to their milk replacer.